Tugay is in all our hearts, says Blackburn Rovers chairman (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Tugay is in all our hearts, says Blackburn Rovers chairman

10:00am Saturday 23rd May 2009 in Sport By Andy Cryer , Blackburn Rovers reporter

ROVERS legend Tugay has been told he will always ‘have a place in Blackburn hearts’ as he prepares to end his eight-year love affair with East Lancashire tomorrow afternoon.

Ewood Park’s ‘Turkish Delight’ will call time on his glittering career after tomorrow’s Premier League finale at home to West Brom, with players past and present paying tribute to the midfield maestro.

Rovers fans are hoping to turn the visit of the Baggies into a celebration of the 38-year-old’s loyal service to the club, with Turkish shirts, flags and Tugay memorabilia expected to be evident througout Ewood Park.

Tugay’s summer exit will see him finish just short of 300 Rovers appearances, having signed from Rangers for just £1.3million in 2001, with chairman John Williams hailing him as one of Rovers’ best ever bits of business.

Williams said: “These days, the service Tugay has given Blackburn Rovers is nothing sort of incredible. I can honestly say he has not caused us one moments problem and that is again rare to say.

“Graeme Souness signed him for £1.3m. That is what I call a good bit of business. Over the years we have got some great bargains but Tugay definitely has to be up there as one of the best. Look at the value for money he has given.

“It is important not to forget Andre Ooijer and Aaron Mokoena tomorrow, who look they will be playing their last games for us as well, but Tugay will definitely have a place in our hearts forever.

“I am sure all three players will retain fond memories of this club, because I know we will always remember them.”

Tugay’s final farewell is bound to be an emotional event come 4pm tomorrow, with all Rovers fans remembering the times their cult-hero has lit up a Saturday afternoon.

For the moment it remains uncertain what he plans to do in retirement, but Williams insists the door will stay open for Tugay for a potential future Ewood return.

“Over the years he has this thing come 2pm Friday, when everything is sorted and the players are going home for the weekend,” said Williams.

“He always walks out, turns around and says see you all on Monday. It is classic Tugay.

“The guy is a real practical joker. He has got a terrific sense of humour and has been superb for the dressing room spirit.

“You would like to think that one day he might come back to the club in some capacity. Great servants like Tugay are people you always want associated with you.”

Tomorrow though will provide the home faithful with their last chance to see Tugay in the blue and white of Rovers, with a raucous reception inevitable for one of the club’s all-time greats.

Williams said: “Tugay has got a great rapport with the crowd. I am sure he will get a memorable farewell and he certainly deserves it.”

Meanwhile out-of-contract midfielder Aaron Mokoena has revealed he is in talks with several clubs about next season and expects to have finalised a move away from Ewood Park by early next week.